History of Guinness in Dublin

Every capital city has its iconic buildings and 'Must see' attractions. As all know Guinness is synonymous with Ireland and no trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse which sits on the River Liffey in Dublin.

The Timeline of Guinness

It is at St James's Gate in Dublin where Guinness, the world's most popular stout, has been brewed for more than 250 years. Here are some of the key moment in its History.

1725 Arthur Guinness was born. Arthur was an Irish brewer and the founder of the Guinness brewery.

1759: Arthur signed a 9,000-year lease on a disused 4 acre brewery at St James's Gate, Dublin from the descendants of Sir Mark Rainsford for an annual rent of £45.

1790s: The brewery undergoes its first major expansion. Present day vat houses one and two are completed.

1801: "West Indies Porter" is brewed at St James's Gate for the first time. This porter is a stronger blend of porter, it is brewed in a way to withstand long sea journeys to foreign markets.

1803: Arthur Guinness dies at the age of 78

1833: Guinness’s James's Gate brewery becomes the largest brewery in Ireland. Control of the company passed on to Arthur Guinness II.

1873: The size of the site is doubled, moving north of James's Street towards the Liffey.

1886: Guinness becomes officially the largest brewery in the world with an annual production of 1.2 million barrels of the black stuff.

1906: One in thirty of Dublin's population becomes directly dependent on the brewery for their livelihood

1963: The last wooden keg is racked at the brewery. Since then only metal kegs have been used.

1997 The company merged with Grand Metropolitan in 1997 to form Diageo plc

2000: The brewery storehouse is developed, reopening as Guinness Storehouse which is an almost 360° panorama over the city. It quickly becomes one of Dublin's most popular tourist attraction.

Guinness Storehouse

As one of Dublin most popular attractions it is a must see while in Dublin. You will go on a tour learning how the black stuff is produced followed by receiving a free complimentary pint of Guinness while enjoying the spectacular views over Dublin.

Video Below: Funny tour of the Guinness Factory